Children’s Eye Exams
Comprehensive Pediatric Eye Care for Growing Eyes
Why Are Children's Eye Exams Important?
Many parents assume their child will complain if they cannot see clearly. In reality, children often believe everyone sees the way they do.
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, approximately 80% of a child’s learning is visual, making healthy vision an essential part of academic success. Yet many common childhood vision problems develop without obvious symptoms.
Undetected vision issues can affect:
- Reading and learning performance
- Concentration and attention
- Hand-eye coordination
- Athletic performance
- Confidence and social development
Comprehensive eye exams for kids allow vision problems to be identified and treated before they begin to impact learning, behaviour, or development.
What Happens During a Children's Eye Exam?
- Visual Acuity Assessment – Age-appropriate testing to evaluate how clearly your child sees at various distances.
- Eye Teaming and Alignment – Assessment for conditions such as strabismus (eye turn) and amblyopia (lazy eye), which are most effectively treated when detected early.
- Refraction Testing – Measurement of any prescription needed to improve vision and visual comfort.
- Focusing and Binocular Vision – Evaluation of how the eyes work together and maintain focus during reading and near tasks.
- Colour Vision and Depth Perception – Testing important visual skills that contribute to learning, sports, and everyday activities.
- Comprehensive Eye Health Examination – Using advanced retinal imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), we evaluate the health of the retina, optic nerve, and other internal eye structures to provide a thorough assessment of your child’s ocular health.
Myopia Control for Children
Nearsightedness (myopia) is becoming increasingly common among children worldwide. Research suggests that approximately one in two people globally may be myopic by 2050, increasing the risk of retinal disease, glaucoma, and other eye health complications later in life.
When Should Children Have Eye Exams?
First Eye Exam: Between 6 and 12 months of age
Second Eye Exam: Around age 3
Third Eye Exam: Before starting school, around age 5
Ongoing Care: Annually thereafter, or as recommended by your optometrist
Regular pediatric eye exams help ensure visual development remains on track throughout childhood and adolescence.
Children's Eye Exams and OHIP Coverage
Children's Optometrist in Oakville
